Steering assistance system and method

ABSTRACT

A method for managing a vehicle steering system of a vehicle having a steering assist system, including estimating a steering angle amplitude during a steering maneuver before rotating the steering wheel to the steering angle amplitude value associated with the steering maneuver. Using the estimated steering angle amplitude value to control activation of the steering assist system associated with the vehicle steering system. In one example, the estimated steering angle amplitude value adapts a torque assist signal of the steering assist system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/941,239 filed on Mar. 30, 2018. The disclosure of the aboveapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system and method for determining asteering angle amplitude of a steering wheel of a vehicle likely tooccur during a lane change.

2. Description of Related Art

Driver assistance systems assist a vehicle driver during vehiclecontrol, for example during a lane change. An evasive steering assist(ESA) steering assistance system helps a driver change lanes uponencountering an unexpected obstacle, wherein the driver responds with aspontaneous evasive steering movement to circumnavigate the obstacle andthe torque of the steering wheel is incrementally changed to match thetraffic situation.

To positively influence the driving behavior of the vehicle steeringintervention should take place only when the vehicle was previously in astable driving state and the steering movement initiated by the drivermakes it appear advantageous that the steering assistance system shouldinfluence the steering movement in a necessary amplifying or reducingmanner. For example, when the steering movement appears to beinsufficient or was initiated too late. The steering movement initiatedby the driver must still be evaluated during the steering maneuver.Including detecting the extent of a steering movement initiated by adriver in a timely manner so steering assistance system input can bebetter matched to the steering movement initiated by the driver.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method for managing a vehicle steering system of a vehicle having asteering assist system, including estimating a steering angle amplitudeduring a steering maneuver before rotating the steering wheel to thesteering angle amplitude value associated with the steering maneuver.Using the estimated steering angle amplitude value to control activationof the steering assist system associated with the vehicle steeringsystem.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a basic progression of a steering angle andassociated steering angular velocity based on the assumption thatprogressions are sinusoidal.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a methodfor determining a steering angle amplitude of a steering wheel of avehicle likely to occur during a lane change.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example of a possible progression of asteering angle and an associated steering angular velocity during a lanechange.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a second example of a possible progression of asteering angle and an associated steering angular velocity including asteering angle amplitude during a lane change.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a third example of a possible progression of asteering angle and an associated steering angular velocity including asteering angle amplitude during a lane change.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a fourth example of a possible progression of asteering angle and an associated steering angular velocity including asteering angle amplitude during a lane change.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a fifth example of a possible progression of asteering angle and an associated steering angular velocity including asteering angle amplitude during a lane change.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a methodfor determining a steering angle amplitude of a steering wheel of avehicle likely to occur during a lane change.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a control of the activationstate of a steering assistance system.

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a control of a parameteradaptation for a steering assistance system.

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a steeringassistance system for a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

Other embodiments can be used and structural or logical changes can bemade without deviating from the scope of protection of the presentinvention. The features of the different exemplary embodiments describedcan be combined with one another unless indicated otherwise elsewhere.The description should therefore not be interpreted to be limiting.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a basic progression of a steering angle andthe associated steering angular velocity based on an assumption thatprogressions are sinusoidal. Curve progression 101 shows a sine functionX(t)=A·sin(2πf t), wherein t is the time, f is the steering frequency,X(t) is the steering angle, and A is the steering angle amplitude. Thecurve progression 101 corresponding to the progression of a steeringangle of the steering wheel of a vehicle when the driver drives slalomwith the vehicle or carries out a lane change. The curve progression 102shows the derivative of X(t) as a function of time and, therefore, theassociated steering angular velocity X(t)=2πfA·cos(2πft) having theamplitude 2πfA. Considering that the sum of the squares of sine andcosine is one, this yields a finding that an estimated value for thesteering angle amplitude A_(est) can be determined as

${A_{est} = \sqrt{{X(t)}^{2} + ( {\frac{1}{2\pi f}{\overset{.}{X}(t)}} )^{2}}}.$For sinusoidal progressions there is no dependence on time, and for atime of measurement t=t_(m), the estimated or likely occurring steeringangle amplitude can be directly determined by measuring the steeringangle X(t_(m))=α_(stw) and the steering angular velocity X(t)={dot over(α)}_(stw) at this point in time, provided the steering frequency isknown. Determination of A_(est) is therefore possible even before theactual steering angle amplitude is reached during the rotation of thesteering wheel.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a first example of a methodfor determining a steering angle amplitude of a steering wheel of avehicle likely to occur during a lane change. The method includes thestep 201 of determining the steering angle measured value α_(stw) of thesteering wheel of the vehicle at a time of measurement t_(m) during alane change. In a further step 202, the steering angular velocitymeasured value {dot over (α)}_(stw) of the steering wheel is determinedat the time of measurement t_(m) and, in step 203 a determination of thesteering angle amplitude Δ_(est) likely to occur during the lane changeat a later point in time than the time of measurement t_(m) is carriedout as a function of at least the steering angle measured value α_(stw)and the steering angular velocity measured value {dot over (α)}_(stw) atthe time of measurement t_(m).

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a first example of a possible progression of asteering angle and an associated steering angular velocity during a lanechange. The curve progression 301 shows the progression of the steeringangle α_(stw) (in rad) over time (in seconds) due to the steeringmovement of the steering wheel by the driver, proceeding during a lanechange similarly to the period of a sine function. The steering movementfor the lane change begins at the point in time t₀. At the point in timet₁, the driver begins to counter-steer and the sign of the steeringangle changes. At the point in time t₂, the steering movement ends andthe vehicle travels straight ahead again. The curve progression 302shows the associated measured progression of the steering angularvelocity {dot over (α)}_(stw) (in rad/s). To estimate the amplitude ofthe steering angle α_(stw), an estimated value for the steeringfrequency is initially established. A typical maximum value f_(max) forparticularly rapid steering can be assumed, for example 0.7 Hz. A moreaccurate estimated value is determined, in the first half of the periodT, and is then held constant in the second half-period. For example, thesteering frequency at the time of measurement t_(m) is estimated as

${f_{est} = {\min( {f_{\max},\frac{1}{2( {t_{m} - t_{0}} )}} )}},$when t₀≤t_(m)≤t₁. In this case, the estimated steering frequency isestimated to be lower, the slower the steering movement proceeds and thegreater the time that transpires up to t₁. The likely occurring steeringangle amplitude can now be determined, for example, as

$\begin{matrix}{{\Delta_{est} = \sqrt{\alpha_{stw}^{2} + ( {\frac{1}{2\pi\; f_{est}}{\overset{.}{\alpha}}_{stw}} )^{2}}}.} & (1)\end{matrix}$

FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a second example of a possible progression ofa steering angle and an associated steering angular velocity along witha likely steering angle amplitude during a lane change. The curveprogression 401 shows a progression of the absolute value of thesteering angle α_(stw) (in rad) over time (seconds) due to the steeringmovement of the steering wheel by the driver. The curve progression 402shows the associated progression (in rad) of the absolute value of thesteering angular velocity {dot over (α)}_(stw), normalized with thefactor (2πf)⁻¹, wherein f (in Hz) is the steering frequency or lanechange frequency, the progression represented in curve 403. The curveprogression 404 shows the likely steering angle amplitude (in rad)ascertained according using formula (1), with the achieved phaseadvantage readily apparent. For example, the curve progression 404already shows a likely steering angle amplitude of 2 rad at t=5.1 s,wherein the curve progression 401 of the steering angle first reachesthe value 2 rad at t=5.25 s. The achieved phase advantage is 150 msavailable, for example, for adapting a steering assistance system.

FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a third example of a possible progression of asteering angle and an associated steering angular velocity along with alikely steering angle amplitude during a lane change. In a mannersimilar to that shown in FIG. 4 , the curve progression 501 shows theprogression of the absolute value of the steering angle α_(stw) (in rad)over time (in seconds) due to the steering movement of the steeringwheel by the driver. The curve progression 502 shows the associatedprogression (in rad) of the absolute value of the steering angularvelocity {dot over (α)}_(stw), normalized with the factor (2πf)⁻¹,wherein f (in Hz) is the steering frequency or lane change frequency,the progression represented in curve 503. The curve progression 504shows the likely steering angle amplitude (in rad) ascertained usingformula (1). The changed steering behavior of the driver is reflected inthe curve progressions. This is a substantially more asymmetricalsteering, wherein the initial steering away from the direction of traveltakes place more powerfully and rapidly than the eventualcounter-steering. The likely steering angle amplitude decreases duringthe progression of the steering maneuver. The achieved phase advantageachieved at the beginning of the steering maneuver, is apparent.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram of a fourth example of a possible progression ofa steering angle and an associated steering angular velocity along witha likely steering angle amplitude during a lane change. In a mannersimilar to that represented in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the curve progression 601shows the progression of the absolute value of the steering angleα_(stw) (in rad) over time (in seconds) due to the steering movement ofthe steering wheel by the driver. The curve progression 602 shows theassociated progression (in rad) of the absolute value of the steeringangular velocity α_(stw), normalized with the factor (2πf)⁻¹, wherein f(in Hz) is the steering frequency, the progression of which isrepresented in curve 603. The curve progression 604 shows the likelysteering angle amplitude (in rad) using formula (1).

The curve progressions reflect the changed steering behavior of thedriver, a substantially more asymmetrical steering, wherein the initialsteering away from the direction of travel takes place more powerfullyand rapidly than the eventual counter-steering. The likely steeringangle amplitude decreases during the progression of the steeringmaneuver. The achieved phase advantage, achieved at the beginning of thesteering maneuver, is also apparent. The steering movement shownproceeds in a jerky manner. The driver makes a very rapid steeringdeflection, maintains the maximum steering angle for a relatively longperiod of time, and then steers again in the opposite direction with ahigh steering angular velocity. The assumption of a sinusoidalprogression of the steering angle over time is therefore inaccurate.Such jerky steering behavior can be identified, with reference to theprogression 604 of the likely steering angle amplitude, by the curveprogression 602 having a steering angular velocity normalized with(2πf)⁻¹ having values temporarily substantially higher than the curveprogression 601 of the steering angle.

The likely steering angle amplitude is temporarily estimated too high,but never too low, and therefore, for example, a steering assistancesystem would not additionally amplify the steering movement. Thebeginning of the steering movement achieves a phase advantage in thisnon-sinusoidal steering movement. In other embodiments, the likelysteering angle amplitude can be determined in another way. FIG. 7 showsa diagram of a fifth example of a possible progression of a steeringangle and an associated steering angular velocity and the likelysteering angle amplitude during a lane change. Similar to thatrepresented in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 , the curve progression 701 shows aprogression of the absolute value of the steering angle α_(stw) (in rad)over time (in seconds) due to the steering movement of the steeringwheel by the driver. The curve progression 702 shows the associatedprogression (in rad) of the absolute value of the steering angularvelocity {dot over (α)}_(stw), normalized with the factor (2πf)⁻¹,wherein f (in Hz) is the steering frequency or lane change frequency,the progression represented in curve 703. The curve progression 704shows the ascertained likely steering angle amplitude (in rad). Here,the estimated steering frequency f=f_(est) is set at the constant valueof 0.7 Hz. The likely steering angle amplitude is the maximum value ofthe absolute values of the steering angle and the normalized steeringangular velocity:

$\begin{matrix}{\Delta_{est} = {\max( {{\alpha_{stw}},{{\frac{1}{2\pi\; f_{est}}{\overset{.}{\alpha}}_{stw}}}} )}} & (2)\end{matrix}$

The result is the curve progression 704 of the likely steering angleamplitude tracks either the curve progression 701 of the steering angleamplitude or the curve progression 702 of the normalized steeringangular velocity, depending on which value is the higher value. Thebeginning of the steering movement achieves a phase advantage with thismanner of determining the likely steering angle amplitude. In addition,with this manner of determination, the risk is reduced of obtainingvalues for the likely steering angle amplitude that are substantiallytoo high due to high steering angular velocities due to very rapidsteering.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of a second example of a methodfor determining a steering angle amplitude of a steering wheel of avehicle likely to occur during a lane change. As shown, the method alsoincludes an evaluation of the likely steering angle amplitude forcontrolling a steering assistance system (ESA) before and during thelane change maneuver.

According to the method, in step 801 an additional steering torque isgenerated by a steering assistance system, if required, during thesteering movement, in addition to the steering torque generated by thesteering movement of the driver. Step 802 determines the steering anglemeasured value α_(stw) of the steering wheel of the vehicle at the timeof measurement t_(m) during a lane change and therefore detects thesteering angle, optionally influenced by intervention of the steeringassistance system. In the example shown, time is measured continuously,not only at selected points. And the steering angular velocity measuredvalue α_(stw) of the steering wheel at the particular time ofmeasurement t_(m) or during the measurement period is determined at step803 and, in the exemplary embodiment shown, is normalized at step 804with a normalization factor based on an estimate of the steeringfrequency, for example (2πf)⁻¹.

In step 805, a steering angle amplitude Δ_(est) likely to occur duringthe lane change at a later point in time than the particular time ofmeasurement t_(m) is determined as a function of at least the steeringangle measured value α_(stw), step 802, and the steering angularvelocity measured value α_(stw), step 803. To smooth the function ofΔ_(est), a low-pass filtering is initially implemented at step 806. Step807 determines, dependent on speed, for example, a stability thresholdvalue Δ_(stabil), which is a threshold value for the steering angleamplitude that defines the transition to an unstable driving behavior.Step 808 includes carrying out a comparison to determine whether thelikely occurring steering angle amplitude Δ_(est) exceeds this stabilitythreshold value Δ_(stabil). If so, the steering assistance system isswitched off at step 809 or the steering is no longer assisted withadditional generated torque.

In the described embodiment, step 810 includes determining a requiredsteering angle amplitude Δ_(req), wherein the speed of the vehicle andthe presence and distance to an obstacle, such as another vehicle, areascertained. Further parameters including the speed of the obstacle arealso optionally ascertained. Step 811 compares the steering angleamplitude Δ_(est) and the required steering angle amplitude Δ_(req), ifthe comparison finds that the likely occurring steering angle amplitudeΔ_(est) does not reach at least the required steering angle amplitudeΔ_(req), the steering movement is further amplified in step 812 withadditional torque from the steering assistance system. Otherwise, instep 813 the method determines an upper threshold value Δ_(max) for thesteering angle amplitude. This threshold value can correspond to thestability threshold value, although it can also be lower, for example,due to further influencing factors being considered, for example thedistance to vehicles in other lanes. If in step 814 a comparison yieldsa finding that the likely occurring steering angle amplitude Δ_(est)exceeds this upper threshold value Δ_(max), the steering assistancesystem is switched off in step 815 or the steering is no longer assistedwith the additional torque generated by the steering assistance system.Otherwise, the assistance provided by the steering assistance system canbe adapted, for example reduced as in step 816.

One embodiment activates the steering assistance system or itsassistance during steering only when at the vehicle is already in astable driving state in a time period before a lane change or evasivemaneuver and that no dynamic steering movements were carried out. FIG. 9shows a schematic representation of a corresponding control of theactivation state of a steering assistance system. Here, block 901includes a determination of the likely occurring steering angleamplitude Δ_(est) carried out continuously over time based on thecontinuously measured steering angle α_(stw), input 902, and theassociated steering angular velocity {dot over (α)}_(stw) input 903, andthe likely occurring steering amplitude Δ_(est) continuously determinedin this way is fed, input 904, to a low-pass filtering at block 905, andan averaging over a window of time is carried out. In this way, forexample, the filtered likely steering angle amplitude will be small ifonly a few steering movements have taken place in the window of timebefore the evasive maneuver is begun. In addition, block 906 includes adetermination of a stability threshold value Δ_(stabil) taking placedepending on the longitudinal speed of the vehicle from input 907, aidedby which a distinction is made between a stable driving state and anunstable state or a state of dynamic steering. The stability thresholdvalue Δ_(stabil), input 908 from block 906, is compared in block 909with the value of the low-pass filtered, likely steering angleamplitude, input 914, and wherein block 909 generates activationinformation, output 910, that, aids the activation of the steeringassistance, block 911; wherein during a lane change or evasive maneuveractivation is prevented, if the stability threshold value is exceeded,or activation is otherwise permitted, and therefore, based on input 912,an adapted additional torque signal, output 913, is applied to thesteering.

Provided the steering assistance system is activated during the lanechange to assist the steering movement when the steering movement doesnot appear to take place powerfully enough or rapidly enough, oneembodiment includes adapting the additional torque during the lanechange according to vehicle and surroundings parameters. FIG. 10 shows aschematic representation of a control of a parameter adaptation for asteering assistance system. Block 1001 includes a determination of thelikely occurring steering angle amplitude Δ_(est) carried outcontinuously over time during the steering movement based on thecontinuously measured steering angle α_(stw), input 1002, and theassociated steering angular velocity {dot over (α)}_(stw), input 1003,with the likely occurring steering angle amplitude Δ_(est), output 1004,continuously determined in this way being fed to an intermediate memory,block 1005, in which the particular current maximum value is temporarilystored during the steering maneuver and output 1019 to block 1006 whichcontinuously compares this value with an upper threshold value, output1007, and a lower threshold value, output 1008, for the steering anglefrom block 1013.

Depending on the result of the comparison, different control parametervalues, output 1009, are generated, aided by which the steeringassistance, block 1010, is adapted. If the upper threshold value for thesteering angle, which designates at least one limit for an unstabledriving state, is exceeded or is optionally set to a lower value, thesteering assistance is deactivated. If the lower threshold value, whichdescribes an at least required steering angle amplitude, is fallenbelow, then, based on input signals 1011, operation of the steeringassistance is continued using normal parameter settings and, optionally,the additionally generated torque signal 1012 is increased even further.

If the lower threshold value is exceeded, but the upper threshold valueis not exceeded, the likely occurring steering angle amplitude isgreater than is required, but it is not so great that the drivingstability of the vehicle is endangered, it can be reduced. The extent ofthe reduction is ascertained, for example, by linear interpolationbetween the additional torques required for reaching the lower thresholdvalue and the upper threshold value.

In the embodiment shown, block 1013 determines the upper thresholdvalue, output 1007, and of the lower threshold value, output 1008,considering the speed, in particular the longitudinal speed, of thevehicle, input 1014, in addition block 1013 may consider the speed, inparticular, the longitudinal speed of an obstacle, input 1015, forexample, an obstructing vehicle in the direction of travel, and of thedistance between the two vehicles, input 1016. The lateral offset, input1017 required to circumnavigate the obstacle, and whether this offset isavailable, is considered. In addition, an assumed grip of the road,input 1018, can also be considered, which changes, for example, as aresult of snowfall or ice.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of an example of a steeringassistance system for a vehicle according to another embodiment. Thesteering assistance system 1100 designed for generating an additionaltorque and influencing a steering wheel movement during a lane changeaccording to surroundings parameters and vehicle parameters, wherein thesteering assistance system is designed for carrying out a methodaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

In the example shown, the steering assistance system 1100 comprises aprogrammable device 1101, for example, an electronic control unit ormicrocontroller or processor, and a memory 1102. Via an interface 1103,the programmable device has access to vehicle parameters includingvehicle speed information and steering angle, ascertained by suitablesensors. Via the same interface or a further interface 1104, theprogrammable device also has access to sensors to gather surroundingsinformation, for example, radar information, LIDAR information, orcamera information. The programmable device evaluates the data andcarries out the method and therefore regulates the unit 1105 forgenerating the additional torque, aided by which the steering movementis optionally amplified or accelerated.

The method makes it possible to determine a steering angle amplitude ofa steering wheel of a vehicle likely to occur during a lane change. Themethod includes a determination of a steering angle measured valueα_(stw) of a steering wheel of the vehicle at a time of measurementt_(m) during a lane change and a determination of a steering angularvelocity measured value {dot over (α)}_(stw) of the steering wheel atthe time of measurement t_(m) and a determination of a steering angleamplitude Δ_(est) likely to occur during the lane change at a laterpoint in time than the time of measurement t_(m) as a function of atleast the steering angle measured value α_(stw) and the steering angularvelocity measured value α_(stw) at the time of measurement t_(m).

The steering angle amplitude refers to, in the exemplary embodiment, themaximum steering angle; i.e., the maximum rotational angle of thesteering wheel of the vehicle, through which the driver rotates thesteering wheel during the lane change maneuver relative to the zero orstraight-ahead position thereof. The steering angle amplitude likely tooccur, or the likely steering angle amplitude at a time of measurement,is an estimated value of the actual steering angle amplitude likely tobe expected at a later point in time than the time of measurement t_(m)based on steering angle information and steering angular velocityinformation available at the time of measurement.

The exemplary embodiment provides an estimated value for the actualsteering angle amplitude during the steering maneuver, even before thedriver has rotated the steering wheel by the maximum deflection theydeem necessary, a phase advantage. The embodiment making it possible,for example, to activate or deactivate a steering assistance system orits influence on the steering in a timely manner, or to meter theinfluence of the steering assistance system onto the steering during thesteering maneuver depending on the extent of the deviation of the likelysteering angle amplitude value from a value ascertained by the system asbeing necessary.

In one embodiment, determination of the likely occurring steering angleamplitude includes weighting at least the steering angular velocitymeasured value α_(stw) with a normalization factor dependent on anestimated steering frequency value f_(est). The steering movement and,therefore, the progression of the steering angle during a lane change istypically at least approximately sinusoidal. Therefore, the progressionof the steering angular velocity is at least approximately cosinusoidal.To account for the angle values and the angular velocity values in acomparably weighted manner within the scope of a formula, it isadvantageous to normalize the steering angular velocity value dependingon the estimated steering frequency value f_(est), for example with thefactor (2πf_(est))⁻¹.

The steering frequency to be expected during a lane change can bepredicted within a certain range, for example depending on the vehicleproperties, the properties of the steering wheel, the properties of theroad, and other vehicles. An empirical value, for example, can be usedas the basis for the expected or estimated steering frequency f_(est),or it can be ascertained in tests or calculations.

In one exemplary embodiment, the estimated steering frequency valuef_(est) is at least 0.6 Hz and 0.8 Hz. Preferably, the estimatedsteering frequency value is f_(est) 0.7 Hz. A value or range around thisvalue limits a value range for a maximum expected steering frequencytypically occurring for motor vehicles on a road during a lane change.In this way, a matching to rapid steering movements takes place, whichoccur, for example, during an unexpected evasive maneuver.

In one embodiment, the estimated steering frequency value f_(est) isdetermined as

${f_{est} = {\min( {f_{\max},\frac{1}{2( {t_{m} - t_{0}} )}} )}},$when t₀≤t_(m)≤t₁, wherein t_(m) is the time of measurement, t₀ is thepoint in time of the beginning of steering to begin the lane change, t₁is the point in time of the beginning of a counter-steering to terminatethe lane change, and f_(max) is an estimated maximum steering frequencyvalue.

When the vehicle travels straight ahead until t₀, the vehicle willtravel along an increasingly narrow arc during the steering movement,due to the increasingly greater steering angle, until the steering angleamplitude has been reached. Afterward, when the driver begins to reducethe angle again, the vehicle will still travel along an arc, but theradius will increase again. If the steering angle is zero again or hasreached the starting value or the straight-ahead value, the vehicletravels straight ahead, although at an angle away from the previousdirection of travel. At this point in time t₁, the driver begins tocounter-steer. To orient the vehicle again in parallel to the previousdirection of travel, although now in another lane, the driver must movethe steering wheel, starting at the point in time t₁, past the zeroposition; i.e., the starting position or the straight-ahead position,into the opposite direction of rotation. A value in the range from 0.6Hz to 0.8 Hz, in particular 0.7 Hz, for example, can be assumed for theestimated maximum steering frequency value f_(max); i.e., a frequencytypical for a very rapid lane change.

The estimated steering frequency value f_(est) is reduced, according tothe described embodiment, in the first half of the progression of thesteering angle, which is assumed to be sinusoidal, as compared to theestimated maximum steering frequency value f_(max), when the driversteers slowly. The more slowly the steering movement by the driver takesplace, the longer the time is until reaching the point in time t₁ andthe lower the estimated steering frequency value f_(est) is. f_(est) isthen held constant for the second half of the sinusoidal progression. Inthis way, the estimation of the steering frequency value is moreaccurately matched to the steering movement actually taking place at themoment.

In one embodiment, the likely occurring steering angle amplitude Δ_(est)is determined as

${\Delta_{est} = \sqrt{\alpha_{stw}^{2} + ( {\frac{1}{2\pi f_{est}}\alpha_{stw}} )^{2}}},$wherein α_(stw) is the steering angle measured value, {dot over(α)}_(stw) is the steering angular velocity measured value, and f_(est)is the estimated steering frequency value. α_(stw) and {dot over(α)}_(stw) are time-dependent in this case (α_(stw)(t) and {dot over(α)}_(stw)(t)) and yield, at each time of measurement t=t_(m) orcontinuously, an associated value for the likely occurring steeringangle amplitude Δ_(est).

The determination of the likely steering angle amplitude Δ_(est) isaccurate when the underlying assumption is correct; the progression ofthe steering angle is sinusoidal over time and, therefore, theprogression of the steering angular velocity, which is defined as thederivative thereof, is cosinusoidal. This is the case when the drivercarries out slalom steering movements or a lane change maneuver. Formingthe square root of the sum of the squares of the sinusoidal andcosinusoidal functions directly yields the likely steering angleamplitude, and an estimate can be rapidly calculated, even before theactual steering angle amplitude has been reached.

In one embodiment, before the likely steering angle amplitude isdetermined, a comparison between the steering angle measured value andthe steering angular velocity measured value normalized with the factor(2πf_(est))⁻¹ is initially carried out. If the normalized steeringangular velocity measured value is substantially higher than thesteering angle measured value, this is an indication of jerky steering.When the driver carries out a steering movement rapidly, at a highsteering angular velocity, maintains the maximum steering angle for along time and then rapidly carries out a steering movement in theopposite direction, the assumption of a sinusoidal progression of thesteering angle does not apply, or may inaccurately apply, and thereforethe estimate thereof f_(est) based thereon can be inaccurate. Theestimate can be, for example, deactivated, switched to anotherestimating method, or the estimated value can be adapted aided byfurther correction parameters.

In another embodiment, the likely occurring steering angle amplitudeΔ_(est) is determined as

${\Delta_{est} = {\max( {{\alpha_{stw}},{{\frac{1}{2\pi f_{est}}{\overset{.}{\alpha}}_{stw}}}} )}},$wherein α_(stw) is the steering angle measured value, {dot over(α)}_(stw) is the steering angular velocity measured value, and f_(est)is the estimated steering frequency value. The determination of thelikely occurring steering angle amplitude takes place depending on whichvalue is greater, either as the absolute value of the steering anglemeasured value α_(stw) or as the absolute value of the steering angularvelocity measured value α_(stw) normalized with

$\frac{1}{2\pi f_{est}}.$

This manner of determining the likely steering angle amplitudesimplifies the calculation compared to determining a square root of asum of squares, allows for a greater speed of the calculation, and isalso a simplification when the method is e implemented in a hardwarecircuit. There is a phase advantage, and therefore the value of thelikely occurring steering angle amplitude is an estimate, at leasttemporarily, of the actual steering angle amplitude value before itoccurs.

In another embodiment, a steering assistance system generates, at leasttemporarily, an additional steering torque during the lane change. Thisprovides additional steering torque that can be utilized for amplifyinga steering torque caused by the steering movement of the driver, forexample when the determination of the likely steering angle amplitudeindicates the steering movement appears not to be powerful or rapidenough to evade a detected obstacle.

In one embodiment, the determination of the steering angle measuredvalue α_(stw), the determination of the steering angular velocitymeasured value α_(stw), and the determination of the steering angleamplitude Δ_(est) likely to occur during the lane change at a laterpoint in time than the time of measurement t_(m) takes place at leastover a measurement period for multiple times of measurement t_(m) orcontinuously. Due to the repeated or continuous determination of thelikely occurring steering angle amplitude value, current informationregarding the driving state of the vehicle can be obtained, whereinadditional information can be obtained from the progression or changethereof, for example, information regarding the steering behavior of thedriver, which is helpful in the control of and implementation of asteering assistance system.

In one exemplary embodiment, the determination of the likely steeringangle amplitude Δ_(est) includes an averaging of multiple likelyoccurring steering angle amplitudes determined at different times ofmeasurement within the measurement period or a low-pass filtering of asteering angle amplitude continuously determined over the measurementperiod generating a smoothing or a memory effect. In this way, theaveraged or filtered likely steering angle amplitude is also small whenonly a minimal amount of steering is carried out, for example in ameasurement time window before an evasive maneuver or a lane change. Theusability of the steering angle amplitude, for example in the control ofthe steering assistance system, is improved when the likely occurringsteering angle amplitude is frequently updated or continuouslydetermined.

In one embodiment, when the likely occurring steering angle amplitude isgreater than a stability threshold value assigned to a stable drivingstate of the vehicle, the steering torque additionally generated by thesteering assistance system is disengaged or is not engaged. In this way,a maximum steering angle can be established, at which the vehicle isstill in a stable driving state, and which, when exceeded, indicates anunstable driving state. In this way, the steering assistance system doesnot engage with the steering of the vehicle when the vehicle is in anunstable state or the steering assistance system continues no startedintervention, even though the vehicle is in an unstable state.

If further measurements find that the stability threshold value is nolonger being exceeded and, therefore, the vehicle is again in a stabledriving state, it can be provided that the additionally generatedsteering torque is engaged again.

In one exemplary embodiment, the stability threshold value depends on aspeed of the vehicle wherein the evaluation of whether the vehicle is inan unstable state can be dynamically adapted to the actual state. Inthis way, it can be ensured that possibly dangerous driving situationsdo not occur due to implementing the steering assistance system at thewrong point in time.

In one embodiment, the method includes a determination of a requiredsteering angle amplitude and a comparison of the likely occurringsteering angle amplitude and the required steering angle amplitude. Thisprovides a measure enabling a determination whether and to what extentthere is a need for implementation of the steering assistance system. Acheck can be carried out during a lane change to determine whether thesteering movement of the driver will suffice to evade an obstacle by alane change or whether the influence of the steering assistance systemshould be adapted. If the likely occurring steering angle amplitude doesnot at least reach the required steering angle amplitude during the lanechange, the steering assistance system will adapt the required torque,so at least the required steering angle amplitude is reached in a timelymanner.

The required steering angle amplitude is dependent on parameters of thevehicle and the actual traffic situation, in particular on the presenceof an obstacle in the direction of travel. An obstacle can be anythingthat renders an evasive maneuver or a lane change necessary, forexample, another vehicle, a stopped vehicle, a more slowly drivingvehicle, or an object or a person on the road.

In one exemplary embodiment, determination of a required steering angleamplitude takes place according to the speed of the vehicle, inparticular, the longitudinal speed, and a distance between the vehicleand an obstacle. In this way, the remaining time can be determined bydetermining only two parameters, provided the obstacle does not move. Ifthe obstacle is moving at a speed in the same direction as the vehiclecarrying out the measurement, the calculated required steering angleamplitude is even only one maximum required value. This simple method issuitable, for example, for use during highway travel, in which thelikelihood of a negative speed of the obstacle; i.e., an approach in theopposite direction of travel, is an unlikely case.

The distance to the object located ahead of the vehicle can bedetermined, for example, based on data gathered by a camera system, aradar system, or a LIDAR system of the vehicle.

Preferably, further parameters are incorporated into the determinationof the required steering angle amplitude, to better account for thecomplexity and diversity of the traffic situations. In yet anotherexemplary embodiment, the determination of a required steering angleamplitude takes place according to at least the speed of the obstacle, arequired lateral offset, and a grip of the road.

If the distance from the vehicle relative to the obstacle is monitoredover time, the speed of the obstacle can also be ascertained. Thedetermination of the vehicle speed and the distance relative to theobstacle determines the required steering angle amplitude in a way moreaccurately adapted to an actual traffic situation. In particular, whenthe obstacle moves toward the vehicle.

The lateral offset required to circumnavigate the obstacle or thelateral distance, for example, to other vehicles or the edge of the laneor a lane boundary may influence the required steering angle amplitudeand, for example, limit the steering angle amplitude to a maximumpermissible steering angle amplitude. A road friction change, forexample, due to snow, ice, rain, oil, or a changed grip of the road canalso limit the required steering angle amplitude to a permissible range.The embodiment can increase stability during a lane change and maintainthe stability of the driving state of the vehicle during the lane changeor evasive maneuver.

Upon determining a steering angle amplitude several times orcontinuously over a period of time, the maximum value of the likelyoccurring steering angle amplitude is temporarily stored, optionallyupdated, and utilized for comparison with the required value. In thisway, the method becomes more robust, the likely steering angle amplitudeis not assumed to be too low, and the use of the steering assistancesystem is not too extreme.

In one embodiment, when the comparison of the likely occurring steeringangle amplitude with the required steering angle amplitude yields afinding that the likely occurring steering angle amplitude is greaterthan the required steering angle amplitude, the steering torqueadditionally generated by the steering assistance system is reduced. Therequired steering angle amplitude is therefore a lower limiting value.The process continues calculated during a lane change, in which thesteering assistance system is amplified with an additional torque. Ifthis lower limiting value is exceeded, the influence by the steeringassistance system can be reduced.

In yet another embodiment, the comparison also includes a comparison ofthe likely occurring steering angle amplitude with an upper thresholdvalue, and when the comparison yields a finding that the likelyoccurring steering angle amplitude is greater than the required steeringangle amplitude and is greater than the upper threshold value, thesteering torque additionally generated by the steering assistance systemis disengaged. The upper threshold value is at least one upper limitingvalue and can correspond to a stability threshold value at which thedriving state of the vehicle becomes unstable, but it can also be lowerwhen other measured or assumed parameters of the traffic situation arealso considered, for example, the grip of the road or the lateraloffset. In this way, implementation of the steering assistance systemdoes not negatively effect but instead positively effects the drivingbehavior in the situation.

In one embodiment, when the likely steering angle amplitude lies in arange between the required steering angle amplitude, the lower rangelimit or the lower threshold value of a permissible range for thesteering angle amplitude, and the upper threshold value, the upper rangelimit of the permissible range for the steering angle amplitude, theassistance by the additional torque of the steering assistance system isinterpolated, for example, linearly depending on how close the value ofthe likely steering angle amplitude comes to the upper or the lowerrange limit.

In addition, an embodiment includes a steering assistance system for avehicle, designed for generating an additional torque according tosurroundings parameters, vehicle parameters, and for influencing a lanechange. The steering assistance system is designed for carrying out amethod according to one of the above-described embodiments. In this way,the advantages and particularities of the method for determining asteering angle amplitude of a steering wheel of a vehicle likely tooccur during a lane change are also implemented within the scope of asteering assistance system for a vehicle.

The steering assistance system can include a mechanism generating anadditional torque and transferring the torque to the steering system ofthe vehicle. The system may include mechanisms, for example, sensorsthat detect or assess vehicle parameters such as the speed informationor the steering angle and, optionally, sensors for determininginformation on vehicle surroundings, for example, radar, LIDAR, camera,or other mechanisms suitable for obtaining and accessing data fromsuitable and available sensors. The steering assistance system alsoincludes a device programmed or programmable for carrying out at leastparts of the disclosed embodiments.

An additional embodiment includes a computer program product includingcode components which, when run on a programmable device, prompt theprogrammable device to carry out a method according to one of theabove-described embodiments. In this way, the advantages andparticularities of the method are also implemented within the scope of acomputer program product.

A programmable device is, for example, a control unit or a computerwhich includes a microcontroller or processor and a memory, wherein thememory stores instructions in the form of code components which can berun by the processor.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and,thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention areintended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of managing a vehicle steering system ofa vehicle comprising: during a steering maneuver, estimating a steeringwheel angle amplitude value during the steering maneuver before rotatinga steering wheel to the steering wheel angle amplitude value associatedwith the steering maneuver; using the estimated steering wheel angleamplitude value to control activation of a steering assist systemassociated with the vehicle steering system; measuring a steering wheelangle value at a fixed time; measuring a steering wheel angle velocityat the fixed time; and using the steering angle value and the steeringangle velocity to estimate the steering wheel angle amplitude value at atime later than the fixed time.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thestep of using the estimated steering wheel angle amplitude value tocontrol the vehicle steering system includes managing a torque output ofa steering assist system.
 3. The method of claim 2, including the stepsof: determining an upper steering wheel angle amplitude threshold valueassociated with an unstable driving state; determining a lower steeringwheel angle amplitude threshold value associated with a requiredsteering wheel angle amplitude; comparing the estimated steering wheelangle amplitude value with the upper steering wheel angle amplitudethreshold value and the lower steering wheel angle amplitude thresholdvalue; determining whether the estimated steering wheel angle amplitudevalue is greater than the upper steering wheel angle amplitude thresholdvalue; and when the estimated steering wheel angle amplitude value isgreater than the upper steering wheel angle amplitude threshold value,the steering assist system provides no additional torque.
 4. The methodof claim 2, including the steps of: determining an upper steering wheelangle amplitude threshold value associated with an unstable drivingstate; determining a lower steering wheel angle amplitude thresholdvalue associated with a required steering wheel angle amplitude;comparing the estimated steering wheel angle amplitude value with theupper steering wheel angle amplitude threshold value and the lowersteering wheel angle amplitude threshold value; including determiningwhether the estimated steering wheel angle amplitude value is less thanthe lower steering wheel angle amplitude threshold value; and when theestimated steering wheel angle amplitude value is less than the lowersteering wheel angle amplitude threshold value, the steering assistsystem provides additional torque.
 5. The method of claim 2, including:determining an upper steering wheel angle amplitude threshold valueassociated with an unstable driving state; determining a lower steeringwheel angle amplitude threshold value associated with a requiredsteering wheel angle amplitude; comparing the estimated steering wheelangle amplitude value with the upper steering wheel angle amplitudethreshold value and the lower steering wheel angle amplitude thresholdvalue; and when the estimated steering wheel angle amplitude value isless than the upper steering wheel angle amplitude threshold value andgreater than the lower steering wheel angle amplitude threshold value,the steering assist system provides an adjusted torque.
 6. A method ofmanaging a vehicle steering system of a vehicle comprising: during asteering maneuver, estimating a steering angle amplitude value duringthe steering maneuver before rotating a steering wheel to the steeringangle amplitude value associated with the steering maneuver; using theestimated steering angle amplitude value to control activation of asteering assist system associated with the vehicle steering system;using the estimated steering angle amplitude value to control thevehicle steering system includes managing a torque output of a steeringassist system; determining a steering angle amplitude stabilitythreshold value; comparing the estimated steering angle amplitude valuewith the steering angle amplitude stability threshold value; andpreventing the steering assist system from providing additional torquewhen the estimated steering angle amplitude value is greater than thesteering angle amplitude stability threshold value.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the steering angle amplitude stability threshold valuedepends on vehicle speed.
 8. A method of managing a vehicle steeringsystem of a vehicle comprising: during a steering maneuver, estimating asteering angle amplitude value during the steering maneuver beforerotating a steering wheel to the steering angle amplitude valueassociated with the steering maneuver; using the estimated steeringangle amplitude value to control activation of a steering assist systemassociated with the vehicle steering system; using the estimatedsteering angle amplitude value to control the vehicle steering systemincludes managing a torque output of a steering assist system;determining a steering angle amplitude required value for providing asteering assist; comparing the estimated steering angle amplitude valuewith the steering angle amplitude required value; and the steeringassist system providing additional torque when the estimated steeringangle amplitude value is less than the steering angle amplitude requiredvalue.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the steering angle amplituderequired value is based on a speed of the vehicle and a distance betweenthe vehicle and an obstacle.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein thesteering angle amplitude required value is based on the speed of theobstacle, a required lateral offset, or a grip of a road.
 11. A methodof managing a vehicle steering system of a vehicle comprising: measuringa steering angle at a fixed time; measuring a steering angle velocity atthe fixed time; and determining an estimated maximum steering angleamplitude at a time later than the fixed time based on the measuredsteering angle and the measured steering angle velocity; determining arequired steering angle amplitude, the determination of the requiredsteering angle amplitude based on a speed of the vehicle and a distancebetween the vehicle and an obstacle; and comparing the estimated maximumsteering angle amplitude and the required steering angle amplitude; andcontrolling a steering torque provided by a steering assist system basedon the comparison.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the estimatedmaximum steering angle amplitude includes weighting at least themeasured steering angle velocity with a normalization factor dependenton an estimated steering frequency.
 13. A vehicle steering systemcomprising: a steering assist system producing a torque assist signal; asteering wheel; a steering wheel sensor, the steering wheel sensorproviding a steering wheel angle value and a steering wheel angularvelocity value; a vehicle speed sensor, the vehicle speed sensorproviding a vehicle speed value; using the steering wheel angle value,the steering wheel angular velocity value, and a steering frequency todetermine an estimated steering wheel angle amplitude value; using thevehicle speed value to determine a steering wheel angle amplitudestability threshold value; and adapting the torque assist signal basedon a comparison of the estimated steering wheel angle amplitude valuewith the steering wheel angle amplitude stability threshold value. 14.The vehicle steering system of claim 13, including: at least one vehiclesurroundings sensor, the vehicle surroundings sensor providing a vehiclesurroundings value; and adapting the torque assist signal based on thevehicle surroundings value.
 15. The vehicle steering system of claim 14,wherein the at least one vehicle surroundings sensor includes radar,lidar, or camera.